Ensembles

Marching Band: Students who participate in the high school band program are expected to participate in marching band. This co-curricular (during the school day plus outside of the school day) activity includes all members of the jazz ensembles, wind ensemble, symphonic band, concert band, and color guard class. Our marching band teaches students the fundamentals and skills necessary for success in our unique ensembles, including character education that will benefit the student throughout their whole life. We are proud that the group is competitive with the top 25 marching bands in the United States and is among the elite marching bands in Indiana. This ensemble is unquestionably the most visible performance group in the high school. The marching band is active from June through October, and includes performances at all home football games as well as state and national-level competitions.

Wind Ensemble: The Wind Ensemble is our highest level concert band at Goshen and has been a State Finalist for many years. This ensemble meets during 7th period during the second semester. Comprised of the most talented performers at GHS, membership in the group requires an audition for the directors. The audition will be during class time in May. The Wind Ensemble performs in concerts at GHS and outside of school at competitions, festivals and showcases. Members are expected to devote outside time to mastering their instrument and music, as this ensemble performs at a highly advanced level. Students may be required to attend sectionals outside of the normal school day. Participants in Wind Ensemble also represent the band program in marching band, pep band, as well as the symphonic orchestra.

Symphonic Band: The Symphonic Band is our second concert band at GHS and meets 6th period during the second semester. Membership in the group requires an audition for the directors. The audition will be during class time in May. The Symphonic Band performs in concerts at GHS and outside of school at competitions, festivals and showcases. This ensemble focuses on developing the fundamentals of quality musicianship, including tone production, technical skills, intonation, music reading skills, listening skills and understanding the role of a performer. Members are expected to devote outside time to mastering their instrument and music, as this ensemble performs at a highly advanced level. Students may be required to attend sectionals outside of the normal school day. Participants in Symphonic Band also represent the band program in marching band, pep band, as well as the symphonic orchestra.

Concert Band (2nd Semester): The Concert Band is our third concert band at GHS and meets 5th period during the second semester. Membership of this group is primarily 9th graders, but the instrumentation will be balanced with the other bands. The Concert Band performs in concerts at GHS and outside of school at competitions, festivals and showcases. This ensemble focuses on developing the fundamentals of quality musicianship, including tone production, technical skills, intonation, music reading skills, listening skills and understanding the role of a performer. Members are expected to devote outside time to mastering their instrument and music. Students may be required to attend sectionals outside of the normal school day. Participants in Concert Band also represent the band program in marching band, pep band, as well as the symphonic orchestra.

Pep Band(s): There are currently 2 pep bands. Like the marching band, our pep bands are a very visible component of our program, and give us the opportunity to represent our school pride at home basketball games. As an extension of the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble, freshman, sophomore, and junior members are required to participate in 4-5 pep band performances each winter. These required performances will be part of the band class grade. Seniors have the option of participating if they wish. Information about Pep Band will be discussed in class in November.

Jazz Ensembles: There are two jazz ensembles at Goshen. Both the Crimson Jazz Ensemble and the Advanced Crimson Jazz Ensemble are curricular activities that meet during the school day for academic credit. Membership in each Jazz Ensemble requires an audition for the directors. Both groups perform outside of school at competitions, festivals and showcases. Each student has to be in one of our three concert bands to be in one of the jazz bands.

Color Guard: Members of the program who participate in music by adding visual impact and color to a musical performance or composition through challenging equipment work, dancing, and marching are the Color Guard. During the first semester, this group meets separately during the school day in 6th period as a Dance and Choreography class. The guard participates with the marching band during the summer and fall. Starting in November Winter Guard practices begin. GHS has two winter guards that are completely extracurricular during the winter, where they perform at Indiana High School Color Guard Association competitions and related events. Participation in Winter Guard costs extra (fundraising is expected), and requires significant work outside of school. All members of the Color Guard are welcome to audition for the Winter Guard after the marching band season ends. The Varsity Winter Guard is a consistent top 10 finisher at the Indiana High School Color Guard Association’s State Finals.

Crimson Percussion Ensembles: The percussion ensembles are extracurricular groups that practice and compete in the winter months. They perform at Indiana Percussion Association (state level) competitions and Winter Guard International (national level) events. Participation in the Crimson Percussion Ensembles costs extra (fundraising is expected), and requires significant work outside of school. All members of the percussion section are welcome to audition after the marching band season ends. Each student has to be in one of our three concert bands to be in a percussion ensemble. Wind players may audition for and be part of the winter percussion ensemble, but will play their primary wind instrument in all band classes. Wind players will not be allowed to switch to percussion permanently. The Winter Percussion Ensemble has won 8 state championships and 2 national championships.